Can’t download BBC podcasts behind VPN

[mrochester]

Hello.

I subscribe to a number of BBC podcasts and listen via either Apple Podcasts or Pocketcasts but recently I have started to get a message saying ‘download failed, error 404 forbidden’ when I’m behind my VPN (NordVPN). The only way to get the podcasts to download is to temporarily switch the VPN off. My VPN region is set as the UK.

Anyone got any idea how to fix this?

Many thanks.

M.

 

[ColdAsIce]

Hello.

I subscribe to a number of BBC podcasts and listen via either Apple Podcasts or Pocketcasts but recently I have started to get a message saying ‘download failed, error 404 forbidden’ when I’m behind my VPN (NordVPN). The only way to get the podcasts to download is to temporarily switch the VPN off. My VPN region is set as the UK.

Anyone got any idea how to fix this?

Many thanks.

M.

Might be restricted to UK only? Try choosing a UK location within the VPN and see if you can download.

 

[mrochester]

Might be restricted to UK only? Try choosing a UK location within the VPN and see if you can download.

My VPN region is set to the UK.

 

[andy_mk3]

BBC block a lot of VPNs. I can't get onto iPlayer in the UK with a UK VPN.

 

[Zefan]

You absolutely can use iPlayer/other BBC services with a VPN, you just need to be clever about it.

BBC want to know your IP, as they can force your ISP to give your details up and send you letters about getting a licence. Because of this, they routinely block connections from known VPN provider IPs.

You need to use one of NordVPNs features, "obfuscated servers". Try different ones in the list, as some may work at some times and others may be blocked by BBC. Google about regarding this for more suggestions about the currently working servers.

 

[jpaul]

I didn't think nordvpn was a full blown vpn, its cheap and just edits some headers, no ? (like setting a browser user agent)
I'd specced it for usa netflix/hbo access, but knew it was not comprehensive

edit: looking at my interenet history maybe i'm confusing smart dns & vpn

 

[Zefan]

I didn't think nordvpn was a full blown vpn, its cheap and just edits some headers, no ? (like setting a browser user agent)
I'd specced it for usa netflix/hbo access, but knew it was not comprehensive

No, Nord is a proper VPN.

 

[Ev0]

BBC pull down IP lists from various sources to block VPN access.

So if you’re VPN IP isn’t on one of those lists you’re ok, if it is then not so ok

I forget the name of the company they use for this service.

 

[rebel rebel]

I'm in the same situation, I've been using ExpressVPN in hospital whilst having dialysis. And NowTV, Amazon Prime and IPlayer all block vpn's.

 

[stockhausen]

. . . And NowTV, Amazon Prime and IPlayer all block vpn's.

I wonder why they might do that?

 

[rebel rebel]

I wonder why they might do that?

If you know the answer please say. I started using it to protect my data whilst using public access internet. I don't use it to illegally gain access to content not allowed in this country.

 

[Deleted member 77746]

Solution: Turn your VPN off temporarily while you download the content then switch it back on. If you not doing anything wrong don't worry about it.

 

[rebel rebel]

Solution: Turn your VPN off temporarily while you download the content then switch it back on. If you not doing anything wrong don't worry about it.

And that's safe on public wifi?

 

[Deleted member 77746]

And that's safe on public wifi?

Who said OP was on public WiFi?

/Re-reads thread.

 

[rebel rebel]

Who said OP was on public WiFi?

/Re-reads thread.

Yeah sorry, my question is for when connected to hospital internet. I have 4 hours to kill 3 times a week.

 

[Deleted member 77746]

Yeah sorry, my question is for when connected to hospital internet. I have 4 hours to kill 3 times a week.

What device you using?

 

[rebel rebel]

What device you using?

Surface pro.

 

[Narj]

BBC are pretty sharp blocking VPNs.

Wonder how it works... Probably on the network owner details.

 

[stockhausen]

. . . I have 4 hours to kill 3 times a week.

Read a book (or lots of books)?

 

[Deleted member 77746]

Surface pro.

Perfect solution, hard drive with content on.

Thank me later when the net goes to pot with blocking all over the place. Streaming is a no go for public WiFi.

BBC are pretty sharp blocking VPNs.

Wonder how it works... Probably on the network owner details.

Maybe when they get so many people accessing the content from the same IP it flags up how many users are on that IP and poof, blocked. I would say there is an automatic system in place. So many users from a certain IP address would be my first guess.